Mayor Joy Cooper sang Crichton's praises: "She is the total package and I'm thrilled that she's accepting the position."

Departing City Manager Mark Antonio, 55, earned $165,000 a year. His June 29 retirement will coincide with his 25th anniversary with the city.

Antonio was assistant city manager when he assumed the top job after former City Manager Mike Good was fired in June 2010 for chronic absenteeism, an uncommunicative work style and questionable contracts.

One city resident, Csaba Kulin, balked at Crichton's "generous contract," specifically the inclusion of 40 paid personal days off in lieu of vacation, sick leave and holidays.

"When we give 40 days off in one lump sum, it's very generous," Kulin said.

Despite the increase over Antonio's salary, it's a pay cut for Crichton, 35, who began her city government career in Hallandale Beach City Hall 12 years ago. From November 2000 to February 2002, she was assistant to the city manager.

She returns to Hallandale via Miami Gardens, where she made $183,000 a year as deputy city manager. Crichton began there in 2005 as assistant city manager and was promoted in 2008.